EU guideline calls for gradual reduction in consumption up to 2025 / EuPC highlights problems from internal market perspective, warns of job losses / PlasticsEurope fears trade barriers, calls for regulation of 'oxo-degradable' plastics

摘要

On 21 November, representatives of the EU 28 member states voted in favour of a bill that aims to reduce the consumption of light-weight plastic carrier bags. The legislation is based on a compromise text reached between the European Parliament and the Council that allows EU member states to choose whether they want to set binding targets for a reduction in bag consumption or impose fees so as to ensure that plastic bags will no longer be made available to consumers free of charge by 31 December 2018. Members can also impose outright bans. The EU's goals include a reduction of carrier bags ranging between 15-50 pm to 90 per inhabitant by late 2019 and in a second step to lower that figure to 40 bags per inhabitant by late 2025. The latter means today's consumption levels would be reduced by almost 80%.